UFC 87 live updates: round-by-round coverage and official results

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — MMAjunkie.com’s John Morgan is on scene at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., for tonight’s “UFC 87: Seek and Destroy” event.

MMAjunkie.com will have live, rund-by-round updates and official results from both the preliminary and main cards posted throughout the evening.

The preliminary card starts at 8 p.m. ET, and the main card — which features a headline bout of UFC welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre vs. top contender Jon Fitch — airs on pay per view beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

In addition to St. Pierre vs. Fitch, tonight’s event features a pivotal lightweight bout between contenders Kenny Florian and Roger Huerta, as well as a heavyweight fight of Brock Lesnar vs. Heath Herring.

As always, you can discuss tonight’s event in the comments section below, or you can chat about UFC 87 and any other topic in the MMAjunkie.com MMA Forums (be sure to visit the registration page if you haven’t done so already).

Enjoy the fights, everyone…

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BEN SAUNDERS VS. RYAN THOMAS

Round 1 – The night’s first fighters are announced 15 minutes before the scheduled time and make their way to the ring. The arena is approximately 20 percent full. Daryl Guthmiller has officiating duties. We’re underway, and Saunders works early left kicks and knees and gets a couple flush to Thomas’ body. Thomas is wobbled by a punch. However, after a scramble, Thomas works for an inverted triangle choke. Saunders escapes, and in a subsequent exchange, Thomas is cut above the left eye and bleeding. Saunders presses the pace, and though Thomas hangs tough, he struggles in the final minute of the round as Saunders takes his back. However, Saunders can’s sink in the choke or connect with much damage. MMAjunkie.com has the first round 10-9 for Saunders.

Round 2 – Saunders secures the early takedown but can do little with the position. The fighters trade punches and kicks with little effect. After a missed right, Saunders throws a head kick that only partially connects. Saunders continues to work kicks. A right connects with a thud as it hits Thomas’ ribs. After charging in, Saunders secures an arm and forces the tap-out. Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas via submission (arm-bar) — Round 2, 2:28.

STEVE BRUNO VS. CHRIS WILSON

Round 1 – The arena fills to about half capacity as we wait for the second fight. After introductions, we’re underway. After a brief feeling-out process, Bruno connects on a combination that stuns Wilson. After a few more punches, Bruno shoots but can’t get the takedown and takes some damage. Wilson with the trip takedown, but his opponent gets back to his feet. After a solid knee, Wilson takes his opponent’s back for the final minute and a half and connects with some punches, but he can’t sink in the submission. The crowd becomes restless toward the end of the round and boos the final 30 seconds. Wilson gets the round, 10-9.

Round 2 – Bruno’s facing is swollen, and both eyes look bruised and blackened as round two starts. Another slow-paced start again has the crowd booing, despite Wilson’s early takedown. He can do little with it. Wilson clinches and lands a big knee that drops Bruno. Wilson senses blood and swarms and launches a ground-and-pound assault with elbows to the body. Bruno tries to tie him up. He eventually gets a restart, and Bruno is slow to his feet. MMAjunkie.com has the dominant round going to Wilson, 10-8.

Round 3 – Bruno looks spent as the round starts. Few punches and kicks as things get started, and Bruno continually shoots for single-leg takedowns, but he can do little to get the fight to the ground, and he simply hangs on and tries to avoid damage. The crowd begins booing again. Wilson lands a big shot that drops Bruno. He follows Bruno to the mat but can’t sink in the choke. Bruno tries to escape to his feet. Bruno lands a takedown, but Wilson easily shakes it off. The pace slows. Bruno goes back for single-leg takedowns with no effect. The round ends, and MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 (and 30-26 overall) for Wilson. Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

ANDRE GUSMAO VS. JON JONES

Round 1 – Newcomer Jon Jones looks big and tall as he heads to the ring and should have the size advantage. We’re underway, and the pace is immediately a slow one. Jones looks tentative and a little nervous. After a clinch, the fighters trade knees, and Jones scores a takedown. Gusmao escapes, but Wilson throws a barrage of punches. However, Jones then tags Gusmao with a low kick, and the fight is temporarily halted. Gusmao complains that it was late and that he took additional damage. A lot of booing after the low blow. The first in-arena replay looks like it misses its mark, leading to more booing, but the second camera angle shows that the shot landed flush. After restarted, Jones loosens up and throws spinning elbows and backfists. It’s a fairly close round, but MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 for Jones.

Round 2 – After an early clinch, Jones again lands a low blow, and the fight is again halted. Jones pleads his innocence as the crowd again boos. Another warning is issued, but there’s no point deduction. After the restart, the pace picks up, and Jones goes on the offensive. Lots of action is Gusmao fights back. Both fighters do damage. Jones connects on some wild shots early, but Gusmao responds in the final 30 seconds of the fight that slows his opponent. MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 for Jones.

Round 3 – The arena near-full for the start of the third round. The fighters catch their breath and throw short shots. Jones fakes a punch and shoots for the takedown. He wants to commit but eventually backs off. The fighters exchange shots and Jones sneaks through a couple stiff rights. Gusmao returns fire and attempts a flying knee. After a scramble, Jones secures a dominant ground position. Gusmao throws shots from below. A couple elbows and a kick get through, and Jones is unable to improve the position. With time expiring, Gusmao works for a kimura with no luck. The pace slows as the round ends. MMAjunkie.com gives the final round to Jones, 10-9. Jon Jones def. Andre Gusmao via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).

DAN EVENSEN VS. CHEICK KONGO

Round 1 – Kongo the kickboxer decides to try his hand at wrestling and continually takes the fight to the ground. “Kon-go, Kon-go” chants fill the arena. After a big double-leg takedown, Kongo stands over his opponent, but when the action stalls, Evensen gets the stand-up. After a clinch, Evensen tries a guillotine but Kongo shoves him off. Kongo then lands a right that drops Evensen, and he follows him to the mat with furious ground and pound as he fights the clock. The referee finally jumps in to stop it. Evensen is slow to get up but appears more winded than hurt. Cheick Kongo def. Dan Evensen via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 4:55.

LUKE CUMMO VS. TAMDAN McCRORY

Round 1 – Luke Cummo enters the ring looking like the Karate Kid — with a mask. McCrory, a skyscraper, will have the obvious reach advantage. Referee Dan Miragliotta has the honors. McCrory goes on the aggressive, gets the fight to the ground, takes his opponent’s back, and locks in a deep rear-naked choke as he wraps his legs around his opponent. A resilient Cummo escapes, though. A few moments later, he escapes another deep rear-naked choke as McCrory goes back to work. McCrory has to be annoyed with the escapes, though. McCrory does some damage from the top and now works for an arm-bar, and it’s locked in tight. Somehow, Cummo again escapes. MMAjunkie.com has it for McCrory, 10-9.

Round 2 – After a few punches, McCrory wrestles Cummo the mat. After some ground and pound, Cummo nearly backs out of the position, but McCrory takes his back. McCrory again works for the choke, but Cummo keeps his neck protected. McCrory transitions into an arm-bar, but Cummo keeps it against his body. McCrory returns to a ground-and-pound onslaught to batter Cummo. Cummo works for position to escape, but the round ends. This round showed Cummo’s defensive abilities, but he had little offense, and it’s all McCrory. MMAjunkie.com gives the round to McCrory, 10-9.

Round 3 – Quinton “Rampage” Jackson arrives cageside and gets a nice welcome from the fans. Cummo does some damage early with an overhand right that staggers McCrory. Cummo gets the takedown but can’t do anything with the position, and McCrory then muscles him to the mat. He again works for submissions and looks like he might have an armbar, but Cummo defends. The fighters return to their feet, and McCrory quickly takes it back to the canvas. Cummo finally secures his own submission — a triangle choke — but McCrory slams out of it and works his way free as the round comes to a close. MMMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 (and 30-27 overall) for McCrory. Tamdan McCrory def. Luke Cummo via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30, 27).

JASON MACDONALD VS. DEMIAN MAIA

Round 1 – Maia heads to the ring with Wanderlei Silva in his corner. MacDonald is next to the cage. The fighters trade punches and kicks, and after a clinch, Maia quickly pulls guard. Now in his element, Maia busily looks for submission openings. MacDonald tries to rain down some short punches as he tries to pass guard. Maia works for the triangle choke. He looks in serious trouble, and Maia pulls down the head and locks in the choke. Somehow, MacDonald holds on and then escapes and briefly takes Maia’s back. MacDonald locks in his hooks, but Maia rolls over, and MacDonald again works from gull guard. MacDonald throws some shot punches and then stands and delivers a big punch on two occassions. The second lands. MacDonald then sinks a guillotine from his back and has it deep. However, Maia escapes and takes the dominant position. Moments later Maia sinks in his own rear-naked choke. It’s deep with 45 seconds to go in the round. Somehow, MacDonald is surviving despite the choke looking completely secure. With 10 seconds to go, MacDonald breaks free as the round ends. MacDonald pulled off a small miracle, but the round belongs to Maia, 10-9.

Round 2 – Maia’s corner had to tend to a fairly deep cut above his left eye between rounds. Maia stuns MacDonald with a stiff left, which forces MacDonald to go for the single-leg takedown. Maia defends and then pushes MacDonald against the cage and unleashes some knees to the head and body while clinched. Maia then drags him to the mat and lands in top position. Maia throws some punches from above as MacDonald works for position. It does no good, and Maia gets the full mount and rains down punches and big, big elbows. The crowd sense a finish. MacDonald is bleeding from what could be multiple cuts. Maia still has the mount, but MacDonald defends the blows well. Maia throws a few more elbows, and then MacDonald pulls him close, and they have a breather. Maia again postures up and tries to get some punches through MacDonald’s guard. The referee warns MacDonald, though Maia has little on the punches. The pace slows, and MacDonald tries to take Maia’s back. Maia looks to his corner for help, and MacDonald uses the opportunity to try to escape. Maia, though, secures an arm and looks to position for the arm-bar. MacDonald escapes and takes the top position, but he can do little with it before the round ends. It’s another 10-9 round for Maia.

Round 3 – Maia quickly shoots and gets the takedown. After a scramble, MacDonald is on his knees and pushes Maia forward and onto his back. Working from inside his opponent’s guard, MacDonald tries to “carry” his opponent into a corner for some ground and pound. He drags Maia there, and when Maia tries to escape, MacDonald takes his back. Maia again rolls and this time takes sidemount and easily hops into full mount. Maia delivers a barrage of punches, and then MacDonald gives up his back. Maia then throws punches to the side of the head. There’s not a lot on them, but the frequency creates problems. Maia then easily secures the rear-naked choke and quiety forces the tap-out. Demian Maia def. Jason MacDonald via submission (rear-naked choke) — Round 3, 2:44.

KENNY FLORIAN VS. ROGER HUERTA

Round 1 – Huerta gets a very nice reception. Florian now headed to the cage and looks shredded. Florian works early leg kicks as Huerta fails to counter. Both fighters tried to engage and collide in the middle. No harm done. One minute down, and there’s been little action. The crowd starts to warm up, and after Huerta’s kick is checked, Florian wraps him for the double-leg takedown. Pinned against the fence, Florian uses the position to secure the mount position. Florian then takes his back, gets in his hooks and flattens him out. A few punches follow, but Huerta manages to escape, and they’re back to their feet. The fighters then tentatively trade shots as each looks for an opening. Florian just misses a knee, and then Huerta ties him up and pins him against the cage. Huerta mixes in some punches and knees, but Florian sneaks in an elbow. They break, and back to the center of the cage we go. Florian pops a right jab as Huerta tries to charge in. Huerta then lands a couple leg kicks before Florian skirts free. Florian lands a wild left and then a stiff follow-up as the round ends. MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 for Florian.

Round 2 – Huerta comes out firing kicks, but Florian fires back with his own and then lands an overhand left. Huerta again attacking with leg kicks, fakes a Superman and connects on a kick. Huerta dips for a takedown, and Florian tries to defend. Huerta is stuffed, and they restart in the middle of the cage. Each fighter fakes a Superman punch, and when Florian closes the distance, Huerta tried to secure a kimura. Florian has none of it, and he then wrestles Huerta to the mat and takes his back. Florian locks in the hooks, flattens him out and peppers him with punches. Huerta escapes from below, though, and they’re both back to their feet. Florian sweeps his opponent, and when Huerta returns to his feet, he’s popped with a couple punches. Florian again fakes a Superman punch — he may be setting up something with it — but Florian easily avoids it and then tags Huerta with a knee to the body when he tries it again. Florian then tries a high kick that’s blocked. Huerta fires back with an inside leg kick. The fighters clinch against the fence, and Florian secures the Muay Thai clinch and lands an elbow and knee. Huerta pushes him off, and Huerta lunges forward with a right that partially connects. The fighters trade jabs to end the round, and Florian gets in a body kick before the horn sounds. MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 for Florian.

Round 3 – A touch of the gloves starts the round, and Florian scores a big double-leg takedown. Huerta mucles back to his feet but Florian lands a big flying knee and then a big left. Huerta tries to play it off, but Huerta throws a kick, charges in and takes the fight to the ground. Great exchange. Florian works from inside Huerta’s guard, and the crowd starts to really cheer again. Florian stands up and tries to drop a bomb, but Huerta defends and gets back to his feet. Huerta gets an uppercut to land, but Florian counters with a knee to the body. Both fighters try to stay light on their feet as the round reaches the midway point. Florian stings Huerta with a front kick that slaps his opponent’s face. The fighters trade body kicks, and Florian now looks to avoid Huerta’s wild swings. Florian looks for the takedown, but Huerta easily defends. Huerta connects on a combination, but Florian smiles, clinches and lands a knee to the body. Huerta counters with a couple looping punches that miss their mark, and then Huerta slips to the mat. Florian allows him back up and then rocks Huerta with a right hand and takedown as the round ends. Florian unloads a big right, and when Huerta gets back to his feet, he gets tagged with a series of knees to the head. MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 for Florian, though the fight was a bit closer than our scorecard would indicate. Kenny Florian def. Roger Huerta via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

ROB EMERSON VS. MANNY GAMBURYAN

Round 1 – Emerson, full of energy, looks in the best shape of his young career as he makes his way to the cage. Gamburyan is also anxious to get started. Gamburyan swings early, and Emerson counters with a big right hand that drops his opponent. Gamburyan falls to his back, and Emerson follows up with some follow-up punches before the referee can quickly halt the bout. Gamburyan protests, but Emerson clearly knocked him cold for a second. Rob Emerson def. Manny Gamburyan via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 0:12.

HEATH HERRING VS. BROCK LESNAR

Round 1 – As he makes his way to the cage, a huge ovation for Lesnar. Lots of boos for Herring, though he’s all smiles. As he calls the fighters to the center of the cage, the ref nearly pokes Herring in the eye. Regardless, we’re underway, and Lesnar immediately comes in with a flying knee that misses wide. He then lands a stiff right that hits flush that sends Herring to the mat. However, Herring quickly shakes it off and gets to his feet, but the fight stalls as Lesnar secures a guillotine that just doesn’t have the position. Herring catches his breath and then shoves himself free. However, Lesnar quickly secures the double-leg takedown and works for position. Herring is bleeding a lot from near his right eye and as Lesnar takes his back. Herring won’t let him get his hooks in, though. Lesnar, though, sneaks through some big punches from behind, and Herring now tries to hold his hands to avoid additional shots. Herring’s eye is swollen shut now, and Lesnar now works knees to the body with his opponent in the turtle position. The pace slows as Herring continually positions to avoid damage, and Herring doesn’t seem to know what to do other than throwing the infrequent punch. The ref tells them to get busy, and Lesnar throws some short punches and then some additional knees. The first round is all Lesnar, 10-9.

Round 2 – Herring tries to jab, and Lesnar shoots, but Herring avoids the takedown. Little action as the fighters tentatively look for a shot, but Lesnar finally shoots and pulls Herring to the mat. Like the first round, Herring continually rolls to avoid damage but can’t keep Lesnar from getting sidemount. Herring continues to turtle and roll and avoids damage, but Lesnar hops into mount when the opening comes about. However. Herring manevuers free. Lesnar works knees to the body while they remain on the ground, and Herring’s looking exhausted. Herring tries to improve the position, but Lesnar overpowers him from the top and again tries to take Herring’s back. Herring pushes him into the fence and uses the leverage to get back to his feet. Herring throws some punches to the body while Lesnar is pinned against the fence, but Lesnar counters with two big knees to the gut that force Herring to retreat. They stay clinched, though, Herring whiffs on a left and is taken down just as the round ends. MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 for Lesnar.

Round 3 – Herring lands a nice leg kick to start the round and then bumrushes Lesnar into the cage. They stay clinched, but Lesnar reverses the position and delivers additional knees to the body before taking the fight to the ground. Lesnar again works knees to the body and to the back as Herring tries to tie up his hands. Lesnar looks to his corner for help as Herring remains elusive. Lesnar quickly secures mount, but Herring again escapes the position. Lesnar keeps him pinned on the mat and works from side position. More knees to the body rock Herring as he continually tries to roll free. Lesnar’s like a blanket, though, in between big knees. Lesnar, though, finally takes his back, but Herring escapes to his feet and starts to land some punches. Lesnar quickly takes the fight to the ground and again works ground and pound. With 30 seconds to go, the crowd begins cheering loudly as it senses the victory. Lesnar secures mount and finished the round with some ground and pound before the horn sounds. It’s another dominant round — and dominat fight — for Lesnar. The round goes 10-9 for Lesnar. Brock Lesnar def. Heath Herring via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

CHAMP GEORGES ST. PIERRE VS. JON FITCH (FOR WELTERWEIGHT TITLE)

Round 1 – It’s a clearly pro-GSP crowd as the welterweight champ makes his way to the cage. Fitch closes the distance early, and St. Pierre easily dips and scored the double-leg takedown. Fitch tries to tie up St. Pierre but can’t fully deflect some of the elbows and punches that come raining down. St. Pierre looks to pass guard, but Fitch patiently awaits an opening to escape. Fitch briefly kicks to create some distance, but St. Pierre swarms back in and wrestles Fitch back to the mat. Fitch finally does get back to his feet but is rocked by a right hand that counters his kick. St. Pierre senses blood and rains down a barrage of punches and elbows. Fitch continues to defend, but the blows are getting through and doing damage. With Fitch pinned against the fence, St. Pierre continues delivering big blows. Fitch, though, gets back to his feet, and already looking tipsy, is battered with more shots. Fitch drops to his knees, and St. Pierre follows him to the mat and tees off with big elbows that land flush. St. Pierre then passes guard into side control and works short elbows. St. Pierre then takes the mount position, but he’s saved by the horn. The round is all St. Pierre. MMAjunkie.com gives it to St. Pierre, 10-8.

Round 2 – Fitch looks good to go and is light on his feet as the round starts. Little action early as St. Pierre avoids punches. Fitch lunges with a combination and catches St. Pierre with a body punch. St. Pierre counters a body kick and then lands a couple stiff jabs. St. Pierre grazes with a head kick as Fitch tries to get his balance back. Fitch again lands a bice body punch and then counters with another when St. Pierre throws a leg kick. St. Pierre works the jab and then skirts free of Fitch’s combination. St. Pierre lands a stiff left that stuns Fitch and gets through some follow-up jabs. Fitch counters with a good right, and St. Pierre is slightly bloodied on his forehead. The fighters trade jabs as both fighters miss their marks. St. Pierre works nice combination, but Fitch fends off the takedown attempt. St. Pierre lands a combination, eats a left, but then pops a right back at Fitch. St. Pierre finds his mark with another left and a soft straight kick as the round ends. It’s a better round for Fitch than the first, but St. Pierre takes it 10-9 on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.

Round 3 – A boxing match breaks out, and St. Pierre gets the better of it with a big right-hand counter that sends Fitch to the mat again. St. Pierre swarms, takes his opponent’s back, and secures his hooks. St. Pierre now works the rear-naked choke, but he’s off-balance, and Fitch reverses to take the top position. A remarkable turnaround for Fitch, who works short punches to the head and body. St. Pierre keeps him tied up for the most part, and the pace slows as Fitch works for position. St. Pierre senses an opening and escapes and drags Fitch to the mat and to his back. St. Pierre works from inside guard and delivers punches and knees to the body and shoulders. Fitch escapes, but St. Pierre pushes the action but stops himself from chasing. St. Pierre again has success waiting to counter, and Fitch starts bleeding badly from under his left eye. St. Pierre tags him right on the spot and then works knees and head kicks that snap Fitch’s head back. He gets back to his feet, but he’s wobbly. St. Pierre shoves him back into the cage and then delivers a combination of punches and then picks up Fitch and slams him to the mat as the round ends. MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 again for St. Pierre.

Round 4 – A quick pace to start the round as the fighters trade punches, and Fitch opens a small cut above St. Pierre’s left eye. Both guys are red-faced from the blood. After returning to the center of the cage, Fitch lands a nice overhand left and follows with a solid body kick. Fitch shoots for the takedown but easily stuffed. St. Pierre throws a low kick that nearly finds Fitch’s cup. After a touch of gloves, we’re back to fighting. Fitch shoots for the takedown with a single leg, and he burns a lot of energy in the 30 seconds he tries to get St. Pierre to the mat. He finally lets go, and St. Pierre then throws him to the mat and works from inside’s Fitch’s guard. St. Pierre throws some punches to the head and body as the round comes to a close. He attempts a leg lock, but the horn sounds. It’s another 10-9 round for St. Pierre.

Round 5 – St. Pierre lands an early right hook and follows with an overhand right. Fitch counters with a left and then charges forward with a sense of desparation. St. Pierre though tags him with punches and then sends him into the cage with a spinning backfist. St. Pierre easily secures the takedown and works from inside his opponent’s guard. St. Pierre works for position as Fitch tries to tie him up. Fitch throws some punches from below, but St. Pierre rains down some power shots. Fitch tries to roll free, but St. Pierre reclaims the position and works elbows to the face and punches to the gut. Fitch grabs an arm hoping for a miracle submission, but St. Pierre takes it back and then beats Fitch in the head with it. However, Fitch finally escapes with two minutes to go and eats a jab. St. Pierre then shoots for the easy double-leg takedown as the crowd grows awfully quiet. Fitch works for a triangle choke from his back, but St. Pierre shakes it off and presses Fitch into the fence. Fitch turtles, but St. Pierre uses the position to deliver knees to the body before the round comes to a close. MMAjunkie.com gives the final frame to St. Pierre, 10-9 for what should be a shutout. Official scorecards coming up. Georges St. Pierre def. Jon Fitch via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 50-44).

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